Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

J.T. Taylor - contributed

A man of soul and flair, singer J.T. Taylor is enthused to be infusing his music on the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues stage this January.

Known in his own right as a solo artiste and as lead singer of the group Kool and the Gang, Taylor will be showcasing his vocal talent on the opening night of the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival on Thursday, January 24, at the Aqueduct in Montego Bay.

No newcomer to Jamaica

No newcomer to Jamaica, Taylor has performed in Jamaica many times and is still feeling good about his scheduled return trip.

"I'm very excited. When I got the call I was very surprised but happy. Being a jazz festival it was surprising cause I'm not a jazz artiste," he told The Gleaner.

With a career spanning more than 20 years, Taylor has numerous hit songs in his arsenal including Ladies Night, Too Hot, Celebration and All I Want Forever with Regina Belle.

"The music is always the message for the people. Having the career I've had, I'm looking forwards to a good performance," Taylor said.

Recently, returning from a hiatus from the music industry, the singer promises a taste of his new album which is yet to be released this year. Yet to be titled, Taylor claims the feedback on his album has been great so far.

Taylor began his career at age 13 forming his own band before going off to college. In 1979, he was called to audition for Kool and the Gang and only two weeks later he made his concert debut as lead vocalist. Bringing a unique sound and style to the group that is simultaneously displayed in his song writing, Taylor and the band spawned a series of hit songs.

After the band split, Taylor pursued a solo career and didn't miss a beat as his career soared. His first LP, Master of the Game, was a hit, as well as The Promise Land which appeared on the platinum soundtrack of Ghostbusters II. His second LP, Feel the Need, kept up the top-10 track record with 'Long Hot Summer Night. With the requests coming in from fans worldwide, Taylor and the band collaborated in 1995 for a successful reunion tour.

Yet Taylor said that working solo was a great time in his life, giving him the space to explore new options such as a film career. He is now working on his son Xavier Taylor's.

"People have been wondering where is JT? They have called me back into the business, they have missed seeing me."

Back on track, Taylor plans to continue doing what he does best.

"I'm gonna continue doing what I'm doing. I'm also doing script writing and acting. I'm busy looking for a good time," he said.